Rainbow infielder best in conference

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Cook: 3rd baseman hit .857 and fielded well

The former California Bear batted 12 for 14 (.857) over the weekend to help the Rainbows in a three-game sweep of the Bruins, earning him Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors.

"I felt really relaxed," Cook said. "Things were going my way, the balls bounced in my favor."

More important to Cook was that the Rainbows were able to sweep a quality team. If the Rainbows don't win the WAC — they're picked to finish fifth out of six teams — quality wins are needed to boost their chances for an at-large berth, Cook said.

"It was really huge for us, especially to beat a Pac-10 team," Cook said. "For the selection committee, (the sweep against a good team) helps in our favor."

Cook batted 5 for 5 in Friday's 6-4 win, 4 for 5 in Saturday's 7-6 win in 11 innings and 3 for 4 in Sunday's 10-inning, 8-7 win. He scored three runs, including the game-winner Saturday, drove in three runs and hit one double. He handled 23 total chances without an error.

"What shows up in the box score is going 12 for 14, but what impressed me was his defense," UH coach Mike Trapasso said. "He made some very good plays for us. He's definitely deserving (of the honor). I'm excited for him."

Next up for the Rainbows is Mountain West Conference favorite Brigham Young (3-10). Cook knows of the rivalry with the former WAC team. Plus, he has faced BYU, which took two of three games from Cal last season.

"BYU's a good program," Cook said. "They beat us two out of three. We have to play our best baseball to beat BYU."

Rice's Phillip Tribe was named the Pitcher of the Week. Hawai'i starter Bryan Lee was a nominee for the honor. Lee allowed two runs in eight innings in the series opener to earn his second victory of the season.